TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. -- Tobyhanna technicians have provided Automated Data Processing Equipment (ADPE) repair to III Corps Soldiers since 1994.
The mission includes seven agreements with III Corps worth nearly a half-million dollars allowing Soldiers to bring broken keyboards, laptops, printers and other various non-fielded equipment to the depot's Central C4ISR Section at Fort Hood, Texas for out-of-warranty repair, rather than dealing with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The partnership saves units money and increases readiness by eliminating lengthy turnaround times often associated with OEM repair.
Personnel fulfilled more than 3,500 work orders last year and have already completed more than half that total this year, said Section Chief Gary Leofsky.
According to Leofsky, service agreements with companies like Dell, Lexmark and Panasonic allow Tobyhanna to order parts and get reimbursed for the labor needed to carry out out-of-warranty repairs. Leofsky added that the highly-skilled personnel in the section are crucial to remaining a cost-effective option for ADPE repair.
"If a Soldier comes in needing a motherboard replaced in their laptop, we could have it back in their hands and send them on their way in an hour," he said.
Jonathan Thomas, electronics digital computer mechanic in the section, expanded on the quick turnaround and cost-savings.
"If that same Soldier took their laptop downtown for repair they'd be looking at anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for the motherboard and a whole day's worth of labor," he said. "We can get the motherboard for $200 or less and only charge an hour of labor."
The section also stockpiles salvageable parts through an agreement with Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Disposition Services, formerly known as the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office. Prior to the disposal of any ADPE, DLA will let Tobyhanna inspect the equipment and keep whatever can be used in future repairs, further increasing cost-cutting for the mission.
"Any repairs we make with those salvageable parts means we only charge for labor," said Leofsky.
Sgt. Tiffany Kerwin and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeremy Neal, 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, said the section provides more than just computer repairs.
"I have peace of mind knowing that whenever a laptop or printer I'm using breaks, I won't have to wait very long to get it back in working order, said Kerwin. "Tobyhanna provides quick and efficient repairs for us to get back online and I always know I can count on them."
"Having a place right here [at Fort Hood] that we can drive down the street to and actually know who is fixing our equipment is not only convenient but also comfortable," added Neal.
Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna's Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C4ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners.
Tobyhanna's unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our Joint Warfighters.
About 3,200 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command's mission is to research, develop, acquire, field and sustain communications, command, control computer, intelligence, electronic warfare and sensors capabilities for the Armed Forces.
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